Preventing and Insuring Against Water Damage in Florida

As many Florida homeowners know, water damage due to flooding can be extremely expensive. Between 2007 and 2011, flood damage losses averaged $30,000 for each affected homeowner, demonstrating the importance of both obtaining flood insurance as well as taking steps to help prevent such damage from occurring.

Flood insurance is normally an additional type of insurance that is not covered in a normal homeowner’s policy. People may thus want to consider adding this type of insurance to their existing policies. In order to help prevent losses due to flood damage, homeowners should also take preventative steps. They should determine their flood zone risk level, and then they should also determine what the average water level is in a flood in their area. After doing so, they should elevate their furnace and air systems above that average flood level. Homeowners should regularly inspect drains and sump pumps to make certain they are in good operating condition.

Those who own a generator may want to hire an electrician to install a transfer switch that will allow them to operate their sump pump with the generator. Similarly, hiring a plumber to install a backflow valve can help prevent damage caused by sewer backups. It is also a good idea for people to keep supplies such as plywood, sandbags, nails, shovels, plastic sheeting and other materials on hand.

If people suffer water damage to their property, the repairs may be very expensive. If damage occurs, people should promptly report it to their insurance companies. Homeowners should understand that insurance companies are in the business of making profits and minimizing payouts. Thus, they may want to get help from a water damage attorney when making Tampa water damage claims in order to possibly increase the chance of obtaining an adequate settlement.